NursingCompetence-based ManagementTeacher EducationAccreditationWritten CompetenciesProfessional PreparationCompetency-based OrientationEducationContinuing Medical EducationContinued CompetenceEducational LeadershipProfessional DevelopmentHealth Profession TrainingHigher EducationProgram Evaluation
In response to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) standards, many educators are involved in implementing competency-based orientation as a format for assessing and validating competence. Written competencies are the tools of this important process. The purpose of this article is to help educators understand the basic elements of a competency and show them how to develop a well written competency. Suggestions for validating initial and continued competence are also included.